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Latest Old Vine Project News

Paradox of old vineyards: Part five of five of a serialized report on old vines in South Africa

By Petri de Beer As the wine industry transitions into an era where older vineyards will constitute the majority of vines in our industry, it is crucial to assess their role in shaping the sector’s future. In regions such as Stellenbosch, over 50% of vineyards are already older than twenty years, with Paarl and the Swartland not far behind. This shift necessitates a deeper evaluation of the position these older vines will occupy within the industry and their impact on ensurin

Jun 1

Starting from a strong foundation, The improvements in Planting material and management: Part four of five of a serialized report on old vines in South Africa

By Petri de Beer The era of roadside vine shoot cuttings and suitcases filled with smuggled plant material is firmly in the past. In the 21st century, vineyard propagation has been fully professionalized and meticulously monitored, with exceptional care and precision applied to the cultivation of new planting material. This transformation has been a key factor in the improved health and resilience of modern South African vineyards. Now, as the first of these carefully cultiva

Jun 1

Cutting with care, Pruning of old vines: Part three of five of a serialized report on old vines in South Africa

By Petri de Beer South African vineyards have undergone significant transformation over the past few decades, with increased attention given to vine longevity and health rather than solely maximizing short-term yields. Among the most critical factors contributing to the extended lifespan of vineyards is the adoption of improved pruning techniques, which aim to minimize pruning wounds, optimize vascular flow, and reduce susceptibility to fungal infections, one of the primary t

Jun 1

The resilience of yields in old vines: Part two of five of a serialized report on old vines in South Africa

By Petri de Beer Given the historically young age distribution of South African vineyards and past experiences regarding their longevity, little attention has been paid to vines exceeding the 20-year mark. Prior to the launch of the old vine project, much of what was known about the cultivation and management of older vines was based on anecdotal evidence shared among producers. Through years of observation and practical experience, it has been widely acknowledged that vineya

Jun 1

The changing landscape of South Africa wine grape age distribution: Part one of five of a serialized report on old vines in South Africa

By Petri de Beer To ensure the sustainability and productivity of the wine industry, it is essential to maintain a robust core of healthy vines. However, the past decade has witnessed a significant shift in the age distribution of South African vineyards. The red wine boom of the early 2000s led to an extensive expansion and fervent planting activity within the industry, culminating in a peak of 102,146 hectares in 2006. Unfortunately, the global economic recession of 2007-2

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May 20